Brazil Fined Apple $2 million for not adding chargers with iPhone 12

Procon-SP, the consumer protection regulator in Brazil’s São Paulo state, fined Apple $2 million on Friday for not including chargers in the iPhone 12 boxes.

According to Procon-SP, the fine is “for misleading advertising, selling a device without the charger and unfair terms.” 

Last October, Apple said that the new flagship would be sent without a charger and earbuds because of environmental reasons. The company said by not making these accessories, it would be able to reduce carbon emissions. According to Apple VP Lisa Jackson, users are replacing power adapters with wireless charging methods, and it seems wasteful to include adapters in the boxes.

More to read: Apple will comply with Russia’s local laws.

Procon-SP questioned if the company would reduce the price of the new flagship after removing the charger. But Apple didn’t respond.

Apple also failed to respond to several other questions inquired by the Brazilian consumer protection. Procon-SP said that some iPhone users faced “problems with some functions” after updating their devices. But the company failed to respond.

The $2 million fine seems of little concern for the $111.4 billion revenue-generating company. But it still needs to follow local laws. Executive Director Fernando Capez, Procon-SP, said:

Apple needs to understand that in Brazil there are solid consumer protection laws and institutions. It needs to respect these laws and these institutions.

Sources: TheVerge | 9to5Mac